​​The Spike and Tie is the official newsletter of Blackhawk and is published and mailed six times a year to all current members in good standing and associates.

​​As a member, your premier access to the Spike and Tie is an exclusive benefit of membership, providing detailed coverage of local railfan and railroad news, including:
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• Current Passenger Railroad News
  Coverage of the local passenger rail service, including in-depth coverage our region's Amtrak and Metra service, as well as proposals for expanded services and High-Speed Rail initiatives.
  
  
• Current Freight Railroad News
  The latest railroad news from the Chicago area and around the Midwest, including the latest mergers and infrastructure projects - including stories not covered by the mainstream press or even other railfan publications.
  
  
• Local Events
  A calendar of local events including train shows, open houses, swap meets, and other railfan organization meetings throughout Chicago and the surrounding area.
  
  
• Historical Preservation
  News on local railroad preservation and restoration efforts, including endangered railroad structures and equipment.
  
  
• Historical Railroads 
  Articles about the railroads, interurbans and streetcar systems that have served Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana.
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• Blackhawk News
  Updates on Blackhawk meetings, projects, activities and special events

Along with the printed version, you can also view past issues of the newsletter on the Spike & Tie - Archives page.

​​The Spike & Tie is printed by A-Reliable Printing of
Glen Ellyn, Illinois. 

See A-Reliable for all your printing needs.